Sunday, 10 November is World Science Day; an opportunity to highlight the great work being done by the Scientific Services Branch. The unit has been consistently recognised as a centre of excellence among South African municipalities.
Summary:
- Over 472 300 chemical and biological tests performed each year on the raw water entering the water treatment plants and on the treated water leaving the plants into the reservoirs and distribution network
- Over 220 potable water samples taken weekly at sampling points situated across the entire distribution network
- Samples from 26 wastewater treatment plants analysed on a weekly basis for chemical, microbiological and physical determinants. Heavy metals and fluorides are determined once a month. Eco toxicity, CN and Phenol levels are determined as well
- 10 Springs monitored for water quality on a monthly basis
- 42 of the City’s public swimming pools are tested on a daily basis during peak season
- 100+ water samples from dams, rivers and vleis tested monthly
- Air pollutants are analysed and recorded every 10 seconds via 14 Air Quality Monitoring Stations
Located in Athlone, the City’s Scientific Services Branch is a world-class outfit that is at the cutting edge of air and water quality research. In addition, the facility boasts a team of highly qualified Scientists at the helm that includes four PhD and 15 Masters qualifications, who are well equipped to monitor and assess the efficacy of water and wastewater treatment.
Of note is that their work includes the testing of 220 drinking water samples daily, as well as raw and treated wastewater samples from wastewater treatment plants, samples from coastal water, dams, rivers, springs, vleis and municipal swimming pools, among others. Testing is done either on a weekly, fortnightly or sometimes monthly basis, depending on the sample type.
‘This year, the theme for World Science Day is Making science more accessible. Capetonians have voiced an increasing desire for scientific findings to be shared. The City has heard this call and is working towards establishing a means for making these highly complex data sets available in a simple and more understandable format.
‘Our scientists are also working with SALGA and the Water Research Commission to establish a community of practice, where knowledge can be shared and benchmarks developed for the benefit of less-developed and sophisticated areas in our country. Over the years, this branch has cemented the City’s reputation as a leader in scientific services countrywide. We are confident that they will continue to set the standard while assisting others to do the same,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Waste, Alderman Xanthea Limberg.
In keeping with this aim, the branch now has the means and capacity to test water quality at levels above what is currently required by the South African National Standard (SANS) 241; a drinking water specification that sets the minimum requirements for potable water to be considered safe for human consumption.
The extension to the facility completed earlier this year, will help the team to achieve the above aim. They now have the capability to build extensive, comprehensive data sets that will help researchers and administrators plan and direct resources more effectively, and thus pave the way to greater resilience.
‘It was an extremely proud moment for us when SALGA recognised the Scientific Services Branch as the centre of excellence in South Africa for water science. This is in part due to it being the only municipal laboratory of its kind in the country, which performs each aspect of the diverse operations in coastal testing, air quality, testing of drinking water, wastewater and groundwater, all under one roof. I would like to acknowledge the sterling work being done by the team and their valuable contribution to their field of expertise,’ added Alderman Limberg.
The facility also offers a structured scientific graduate program which contributes significantly towards youth employment and community development and education. The City has successfully demonstrated innovation in its nurturing of future scientific leaders, including interns who are now permanently employed and registered as scientists under the South African Council for Natural Scientific Practitioners, working at the City and in other parts of the country too.
The Water Quality: Assurance Through Testing publication is available here for further information: http://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/Water%20quality%20-%20assurance%20through%20testing%20.pdf.pdf